Managing Innovation: Ambidexterity, Teams and Leading Change

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/managing-innovation

Introduction

### Course Review: Managing Innovation: Ambidexterity, Teams and Leading Change #### Overview In today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving business environment, the ability to innovate is crucial for any organization looking to maintain a competitive edge. The Coursera course **Managing Innovation: Ambidexterity, Teams and Leading Change** offers an enlightening exploration of the dynamics of innovation management, equipping managers and leaders with the skills necessary to balance the demands of new technology and market shifts alongside established business practices. #### Course Structure and Content The course is structured around four key modules, each focusing on different aspects of innovation management: 1. **Challenges in Managing Innovation** The course kicks off by examining the unique characteristics of new technologies and markets, particularly the role of uncertainty in shaping managerial strategies. It emphasizes the need for firms to align their strategies with the evolving demands of their environments while also acknowledging the inertia that established practices can create. This module lays the groundwork for understanding the complexities involved in managing innovation. 2. **Managing Innovation through Ambidexterity** Here, the idea of organizational ambidexterity takes center stage. The course explores how organizations can effectively manage simultaneous exploration (innovation) and exploitation (core business activities). This module provides practical insights into fostering an ambidextrous organizational culture, making it clear that leaders must be agile and adaptive in their approach to harnessing innovation alongside operational success. 3. **Leading Innovation Teams** Innovation does not happen in isolation; it thrives in collaboration. The third module delves into the vital role of teams in the innovation process. It offers frameworks for designing and leading effective cross-functional teams, particularly "heavyweight" teams that are capable of tackling complex innovation challenges. This module is particularly valuable for those looking to improve information flow and collaborative efforts across different business functions. 4. **Leading Organizational Change** The final module addresses the often daunting task of implementing organizational change. It highlights the psychological barriers that can hinder effective change and introduces two well-known models of change management. This section is crucial for any leader aiming to navigate the tricky waters of organizational transformation, equipping them with the tools necessary for successful change initiatives. #### Learning Experience The course employs a mix of video lectures, case studies, and practical assignments, allowing participants to engage with the content actively. The instructors are knowledgeable and bring real-world experience to the table, making the material not only academically robust but also grounded in practical application. One of the standout features of the course is its interactive elements, which encourage participants to reflect on their own organizational challenges and think critically about solutions. Additionally, the community aspect of Coursera allows for networking and discussion with peers, enriching the learning experience further. #### Recommendations I highly recommend **Managing Innovation: Ambidexterity, Teams and Leading Change** for professionals at all levels who are involved in the innovation process within their organizations. Whether you are a manager looking to enhance your team’s performance, a leader aiming to drive organizational change, or simply someone interested in the complexities of innovation, this course provides invaluable insights and practical guidance. By the end of the course, participants will not only gain a deeper understanding of innovation management principles but will also develop actionable strategies that can be implemented in their own organizations. #### Conclusion In a world where innovation is often the key to survival, taking the time to invest in courses like this can pay significant dividends. With its comprehensive syllabus, engaging delivery, and ample real-world applications, **Managing Innovation: Ambidexterity, Teams and Leading Change** is a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to lead effectively in a rapidly changing landscape. Don't miss the opportunity to enhance your leadership capabilities and drive lasting change within your organization through this course.

Syllabus

CHALLENGES IN MANAGING INNOVATION

We begin our exploration of managing innovation by reviewing key characteristics of new technologies and markets. We discuss how uncertainty, among other such characteristics, fundamentally affects management, strategic choices and execution of innovation initiatives. We examine how firms succeed through aligment with the needs of their technologies and markets over time, yet at the same time alignment can create inertia that acts as a barrier to change in response to new opportunities.

We continue to focus on the challenges of managing innovation initiatives in firms which confront new technologies and markets while they simultaneously compete in established businesses. We examine the idea of organizational ambidexterity as a solution to this challenge, and cover how managers can develop and lead an ambidextrous organization.

In the third module, we continue to focus on innovation management by focusing on teams and innovation. Teams are ubiquitous in innovation, as there is a need for high information flow and integration across functions. We start by describing common approaches to team design in product development. We specifically go into depth on how to design and lead "heavyweight" cross-functional development teams. These have been found to be particularly effective in challenging innovation situations.

In this module, we will focus on organizational change, with emphasis on some of the reasons why people resist change. We will talk about two well-known models of organizational change and discuss strategies for effective change implementation.